1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Volante

1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Volante

After a limited production of 50 Zagato Coupés, Zagato started an even smaller run of convertibles called Volante. These had the same body shape as the Coupes, albeit with a non-vantage spec engine and a new grill cover.

The project was reminiscent of the lightweight DB4GT Zagato, a 1960s race car that was meant to challenge Ferrari at the top level of sports car racing. Like its classic counterpart, the modern V8 Vantage Zagato was reduced in overall size and received an updated aluminum body from Italy. Much like the DB4, the chassis was shortened and the rear seats removed.

Futhermore the engine was reworked to produce 432 bhp and offered a top speed of 300 kph.

The first Zagato Volante appeared at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show with a different fron grill and headlight covers. Bosch fuel injection was fitted which provided anough clearance such that the large bulge on the Coupé’s hood wasn’t necessary.

Only 37 Zagato Volantes were produced, 12 in right-hand drive and 4 with automatic gearboxes.

In Detail

type

Series Production Car

built at

Newport Pagnell, England

body stylist

Zagato

production

37

engine

V8

block material

Aluminum Alloy

valvetrain

DOHC

fuel feed

Bosch Fuel Injection

displacement

5340 cc / 325.87 in³

power

238.6 kw / 320 bhp

specific output

59.93 bhp per litre

f suspension

Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Lever Arm Dampers

r suspension

de Dion-Type Axle

transmission

Manual or 3-Speed Torqueflight Automatic

Auction Sales History

Just 37 V8 Zagato Volantes were ultimately built, including only 12 original left-hand drive cars; of those, this example is one of four equipped with an automatic gearbox. It was sold new to Monaco via British Motors, and today, it is offered with only 4,800 actual miles showing and just two registered keepers from new. Stunning throughout, it is also complete with service bills totalling over £11 000 in the past two years to maintain it in as-new condition, including a replacement top. Presented with close attention to detail throughout, it remains a great example of an extremely rare and increasingly collectible thoroughbred motor car.